Maritimo X60

For those on the inside looking out, the psychological impact is knee buckling. Because the cabana is partially below the waterline, the visual “augmented reality” is akin to an infinity pool even though everyone is dry and perfectly safe. When the transom hatch seamlessly closes against a custom-made gasket and locks into place, a “whoosh” of air signals confidence in the seal, eliminating any question about the ship’s watertight integrity.

Not everyone will want a cabana, and indeed one customer on Lake Erie is taking delivery this summer of the Maritimo X60 with the fourth stateroom option featuring a queen-size bed. All three layout options incorporate twin entry points via the swim platform and the internal staircase from the salon. 

Our test day was blessed with 3- to 4-foot seas under a warm sun, four passengers, including one very experienced prospective buyer, and three quarters of a tank of diesel (fuel capacity is 1,110 gallons). With winds to port we put the Volvo Penta D13, 1000-hp engines through a series of conditions the prospective buyer experiences cruising from Maine to Florida. In all, he and the wife spend 170 nights aboard annually, and after owning 16 or 17 yachts of various pedigrees this yachtsman is precise in what he expects performance wise.

We were not disappointed.

Seventeen knots at 1650 RPM. Fuel burn of 46 gallons per hour — total. Have to catch a flight? 24 knots, 67 gallons per hour. Is that storm heading your way? 28 knots, 75 gallons per hour. And just for fun, WOT: 31 knots and a surprise, the ride became smoother. Flying over the waves in a 67,000-pound yacht will do that, you know. Keen attention to weight distribution, variable-deadrise and a deep-V entry combine for a low running attitude throughout the RPM range. 

Satisfied, the customer turned the wheel over to me and says, “Now let’s see what happens taking the waves on the nose.” We all agreed the ideal ride was 25 knots into a head sea, and with that we set a course for Miami. 

If you are new to the Maritimo product, the company is comprised of sea-going, competitive racing Aussies who challenge conventional wisdom. Like most luxury yachts, bespoke materials and innovative design are part of the DNA throughout the entire line of motoryachts, single-level yachts and this exciting X series, which features the X60 and X50. Four of the models were on display at this year’s Miami Yacht Show — including two X60 coupes — and Maritimo America’s President Dave Northrop reported strong interest. The two Great Lakes Maritimo dealers are also excited about this brand. 

“When Sea Ray exited the yacht business, it was an opportunity to find a forward-thinking yacht partner with never-before-seen designs,” says B&E co-owner Rod Bensz. “Australian waters and Lake Michigan both can deliver moody days in the blink of an eye. Maritimo not only can stand the test, but like the perfect hostess, deliver an entertainment experience effortlessly.”

Dave Giles of Colony Marine agrees: “When I worked the boat at the Fort Lauderdale show last fall, I witnessed every client exiting the boat in awe. The comments regarding the genius layout and impeccable craftsmanship were overwhelming. Maritimo’s are built for the ocean, but great for the Great Lakes.” 

Panoramic views of the water are a hallmark of the X Series design. A three-paneled helm windshield is complemented, if not upstaged, by nearly 9 feet of sliding windows that open in stages. The X60 includes a forward sunroof and a separate sunroof over the aft galley. This rarely seen feature illuminates solid side paneling of galley cabinets and an ingenious island counter that hides a dishwasher and dedicated plate storage. A trio of solid sliding glass doors fold neatly away, expanding living space outdoors and enhancing natural air flow to the salon. 

Just for the record, the galley will please most casual chefs with a double door refrigerator/freezer, wine cooler and a floor-to-ceiling pantry deftly engineered so that when the door is opened, the shelves also pull out for easy access. Add a four-burner induction cooktop, convection oven, Isotherm icemaker and four 120V outlets along the exquisite countertop for appliances, and the only thing left is to plan the menu for that inaugural party.

Adjacent to the galley on the cockpit deck is a concealed electric grill and wetbar to complete the entertainment ensemble. Anchored firmly into the teak deck is a folding leaf table and lazarette to embrace alfresco meals.

Based on the many blogs from Great Loopers, the most important feature on any yacht is the co-captain amenities. Side-by-side Pompanette captain’s chairs snuggle up to a Garmin Glass cockpit helm with twin touch screens and complementary instrument readouts within arm’s reach. Our prospective buyer zeroed in on one small oversight. The seats need to be electrically operated instead of hand-tightened adjusting knobs. As buyers age, wrist dexterity is a challenge. Maritimo agreed, and electric will be an option going forward.

One thing Maritimo perfected was the placement, width and depth of stairs leading below to the three cabins. With tape measure in hand, the buyer began his syllabus that only a seafaring professor could deliver. Rather than begin a step down parallel with the helm, Maritimo added a few inches beyond the helm base opening. “Less likely to fall down the stairs as you are shuffling sideways from the helm seat,” notes the expert. “Deep steps equal solid footing — a critical function in sloppy seas or mornings before coffee.”

Instead of dwelling in dreamy delight over the mid-cabin full-beam master with roomy hanging lockers that won’t crease a shirt, or head and shower separated by an opulent vanity, my guide focused on a hidden area in the forward VIP suite. 

“Lift up the mattress,” he commands. The entire base was free-form space: No drawers or hidden air conditioner compressor. “That’s where the occasional overnight guest can store hard-sided suitcases or a couple of golf bags. Out of sight completely.” 

Suffice to say for two hours we explored nearly every nook and cranny of this extraordinary yacht, from examining the inner workings of an advanced marine toilet that eliminates typical failure points to intermittent windshield wipers activated by spray. The engine room with diamond plate floors, full stand-up capability and ease of access through a side watertight door or from an overhead hatch exceeds expectations. 

Maritimo’s X60 is a clever blend of functionality and ergonomics with fresh nautical design that ensures simplicity and efficiency, while keeping the door open to the customization needs of each owner.